21 BRIDGES (2019) – My rating: 8/10

 

21 Bridges is an action thriller directed by Brian Kirk. Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo act as producers.  21 Bridges is an exciting film that has quite a few surprises.  I don’t think it received all the publicity it should have, I was told about it by a relative.  Initially, I didn’t really know what 21 Bridges was about however, I’m glad I went to see it.

 

**** SPOILERS ****

21 Bridges opens with a young Andre Davis (Christian Isaiah) attending his father’s funeral after he was murdered on the job. Many years later, Andre (Chadwick Boseman) becomes a successful law enforcer, working for the NYPD and has taken down more than 8 criminals during his time as a police officer. One night, two small-time criminals and former war veterans Michael Trujillo (Stephan James) and Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch) took on a job to ransack a winery and steal several kilograms of cocaine it was illegally harvesting. The heist takes a left turn when they realize the amount of cocaine was 10 times as much as they were expecting plus several police officers unexpectedly arrive on the scene. They were forced into a shootout that landed 6 officers gunned down. Ray is chastised by Michael for killing cops, which puts them in jeopardy.

Andre Davis is assigned to the case. Struggling with the legacy of his deceased father, Davis has earned a reputation for hunting down and killing “cop killers,” although he claims they were all in self-defense and is uncomfortable with the label. Narcotics detective Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) is assigned as Davis’ partner. The two come into conflict with FBI agents Butchco (Obi Abili) and Dugan (Andy Truschinski), who attempt to take the case over. Captain Matt McKenna (J. K. Simmons) of the 85th precinct is assigned to oversee the case.

With this being a good place to stop, 21 Bridges is loaded with excitement plus it drives home a profound message.  I can’t imagine the scope of crime and blatant disrespect for the law as shown in this film.  A death that occurs during the surrendering of a criminal made 21 Bridges more relatable.  Although the director tried to invent a very real climate that represents more of today’s issues, the aura around 21 Bridges just didn’t feel real, especially shutting down 21 bridges at any given time.  Despite this, I found the movie to be just exciting enough to pass as a holiday filler.  I also thought Stephen James’ performance was outstanding.  You just might enjoy 21 Bridges, it’s a real thrill ride at best.  The film received mixed reviews from critics and has grossed $34 million worldwide on a $33 million budget. Check It Out!

 

THE REVENANT (2015) – My rating: 8.5/10

Dress warmly before you go to see The Revenant because this film takes place in the freezing cold. The entire movie never encounters a warm moment. The Revenant is brutal and because of one man, it’s incomprehensible. This doesn’t mean you won’t understand The Revenant, it just means the actions, evilness and disregard for another fellow Human Being will baffle you to the point of ambiguity, denial and/or contempt. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of his career as Hugh Glass, a frontiersman on a fur trading expedition set in 1823 Montana and South Dakota.

A quasi-military group of trappers are hunting for pelts in the unsettled wilderness of the Louisiana Purchase, under the command of Captain Andrew Henry.  A hostile Native American Tribe called Arikara ambushes the hunting party.  Only one third manage to escape, salvaging as much as they can while still under attack from the Arikara. To make matters worse, Glass the most experienced guide with the hunting party is mauled by a grizzly bear and severely wounded, further slowing down the party who is still being pursued by the Arikara.  Because Glass is so near death, one of the hunters, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) suggest they put Glass out of his misery by killing him thus freeing the rest of the men to move faster.  Captain Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson) the hunting party leader, offers payment to anyone who stays behind and cares for Glass while the rest of them moves on.  Jim Bridger (Will Poulter) a younger hunter and Hawk (Forrest Goodluck) Glass’ son volunteers to stay along with John Fitzgerald who will receive an additional bonus if he makes sure Glass gets a descent burial, if and when he dies.  Not to spoil the rest of the movie, I’ll only say this film really begins at this point.  The grizzly attack was nothing compared to the ensuing journey from this point on.

The Revenant is an adventure, drama, thriller that last 2 hours and 37 minutes long.  It’s directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and has already won 3 Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture – drama, Best Director and Best Actor.  Out of all the movies I’ve seen in 2015/2016, I didn’t think The Revenant was the best but I do think it’s a good film that you’ll certainly enjoy. I actually liked the Hateful 8 a tad bit better, but that’s just my opinion.  Check it out for yourself!

[THE REVENANT is nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Directing, Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Film Editing, Production Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, Visual Effects]